Sentic on Kosovo Online being denied accreditation: Criteria must be clear, objective, and non-discriminatory

The Chief Deputy Ombudsman of Kosovo, Srdjan Sentic, commented on the denial of accreditation to the Kosovo Online portal and the prevention of its team from covering the constituent session of the Kosovo Assembly, stating that the relevant authorities should ensure that accreditation procedures are based on clear, objective and non-discriminatory criteria.

Sentic said that media freedom and equal access to information of public importance represent important elements of a democratic society.

“If a media outlet that has fulfilled the prescribed requirements in a timely manner is denied accreditation without a clear and justified reason, such a practice may raise concerns from the perspective of the principles of transparency, equal treatment and legal certainty. The relevant authorities should ensure that accreditation procedures are based on clear, objective and non-discriminatory criteria,” Sentic told Kosovo Online.

The Kosovo Assembly denied certain media outlets reporting in the Serbian language the opportunity to cover the constituent session, despite the fact that they had submitted complete accreditation documentation properly and on time.